Listed Building: MOCKBEGGARS HALL (433464)

CLAYDON PAPER MILL LANE TM 14 NW 7/109 Mockbeggars Hall (Formerly listed as Old 9.12.55 Hall) - II* House, 1621 on gables. 3-window hall range with pair of slightly set-forward cross-wings. 2 storeys and attics. Red brick; originally there was extensive quoining and other plaster ornament to simulate limestone dressings, but this is much decayed. At 1st floor level is a complex moulded band of brick, and another of simpler form at the attic floor. Each cross-wing has a Dutch gable with ball finials of limestone at both base and apex. The left-hand gable has I over 16, and the right A over 21, in wrought iron - the initials are perhaps for John Aylmer, the owner at about this date. Plaintiled roofs; on either side wall and at the rear are massive chimneys of red brick, on each are 3 octagonal flues truncated just above the base. A central axial chimney of similar form is a C19 intrusion. Mullioned and transomed windows of 10 lights (8 lights at attic storey) were originally of plastered brick, but four were renewed C19/C20 in limestone. Those at the upper floor have moulded pediments. Iron casements with leaded lights throughout. Beside the entrance is a pair of canted bays, the main windows being of 6 lights. A C19 print shows both bays terminating in gablets, containing a pair of dormer windows to light the attics. Fine central entrance porch, also truncated above 1st storey. The moulded round-arched outer doorway has a pair of Doric columns on square plinths, supporting a deep cornice. Above this is a remnant of a raised plasterwork motif. The inner doorway has an elliptical head with raised plasterwork quoining; on each voussoir is a raised flower or leaf motif, and on each side is a pilaster. Yellow and blue colouring may be original. The original entrance door has moulded framing and small sunk panels, 3 central panels being of diamond form; the framing is covered in large nail-heads. A small room has a richly-carved C17 overmantel which must have been moved to this position c.1900; panelling in the Jacobean manner with some Arc Nouveau details. Several original fireplaces on all floors have moulded arched heads, also oak doorways with moulded jambs and plank doors. A staircase tower at the rear has a full-height large but undecorated newel stair. Listing NGR: TM1311348664